Suskeena Lodge

Suskeena Lodge, on the Sustut River in Northern British Columbia is relatively unknown except among a core group of fanatics that fish the river on an annual basis hoping to crack the magic 30 pound mark for steelhead. On that note, there are few rivers where it is even possible. On the Skeena these include the Babine, Kispiox or the Sustut.

Occasionally other rivers produce these giants, but these three rivers produce them annually. The Sustut is in our estimation the finest of these large Northern race of steelhead waters. It is certainly the most spectacular.

The Sustut is truly a jewel that is for the most part largely unknown except among a core group of fanatics that fish the river on an annual basis hoping to crack the magic 30 pound mark for steelhead. On that note, there are few rivers where it is even possible. On the Skeena these include the Babine, Kispiox or the Sustut. The Sustut is in our estimation the finest of these large race steelhead waters. It has several advantages, no crowds, clear water (it is generally the last river to blow out) and its fish are huge…built for a long cold winter.

After a 7:00 breakfast, clients depart for their day on the river. Lunch is prepared by the guide and served stream side.. Steelhead fishing is, we think, for the most part made to sound like a sport for tough fanatical fishermen. Granted aficionados seem to fit this mold. However, that is largely due to the fact that many steel headers are so taken by the fish and country that they pursue the fish like their lives depend on it…in some cases for months at a time eating canned meats and old bread by a fire.

Contrary to public opinion, steelhead are a great fish that are aggressive and catchable for an angler of any skill level. You do not need to be able to throw a hundred feet of line or fish a 500 grain sinking line until your shoulder gives out. Without exception, if you listen to your guide, he will steer you into fish within your ability or interest. Fishing a dry fly is something that everyone should try for a few days. It is effective on the Sustut and is the most exciting way to catch a steelhead. You may lose a higher percentage of your fish, but the take is well worth it. In the end you won’t remember whether you landed 10 or 12 fish for the week, but you will remember a fish boiling on your skated dry in a glossy tail out. Don’t let the rest of the camp scare you out of it ...because they will.

The fish on the Sustut are among B.C.’s largest. The steelhead average 14 pounds and often reach well into the high twenties. There are 30-35 pound fish landed yearly. Consequently, we recommend you come prepared.